Can Solar Homes Sell?

Finding buyers can be a challenge
by Milo Sybrant
American University Interactive Journalism Program
Fall 2007

Photo by Milo Sybrant
Architect panel juror Susan Maxman

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Students teams faced the challenge of balancing elegance of design with market viability for the first time at this year’s Solar Decathlon.

The “market viability” contest – which tests teams’ abilities to design homes that are both appropriate for day-to-day living and competitive with conventional homes in the real estate market – made it’s debut at the third decathlon since the event launched in 2002.
The decathlon also centered on more conventional measures such as the homes’ architecture. Decathlon judge Susan Maxman, a practicing architect from Philadelphia, PA said that the architecture panel was “looking for integrative design. Design that really realizes and recognizes the appropriate response to a situation where they’re trying to achieve this solar house that’s independent energy-wise.”

Photo by Milo Sybrant
3rd Place Santa Clara University
team member Brian Drocco

Solar industry experts say that there is growing demand worldwide for solar power in homes. Energy-research firm Solarbuzz reported in 2007 that the global market for solar-power system installations grew by nearly 20% in the previous year.

Photo by Milo Sybrant
A juror reviews a solar home
at the 2007 Solar Decathlon.

Once this competition is over, at least some of these solar houses will enter the sink or swim competition of real estate. And that’s a contest that these homes can’t afford to lose if they wish to become a viable option for potential homeowners.

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Useful Links:
Solarbuzz
2007 Solar Decathlon